Hall-Effect Steering Column Position Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power column memory controllers face errors in accurately tracking the steering column's position due to faulty monitoring algorithms and signal noise, leading to incorrect position detection and loss of information.

Innovation Solution

An absolute position sensor system integrated into the steering column assembly, featuring an elongated target with specific surface features and a Hall-effect sensor device, generates signals indicative of the steering column's position directly, eliminating the need for incremental calculations and memory access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a relative position system is used to track steering column position, then the system can monitor position changes, but errors accumulate over time and the system loses accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the incremental mechanical position tracking system with an absolute position sensing system using Hall effect sensors. The sensor detects the absolute position of the steering column directly through magnetic field interaction with a target, eliminating the need for incremental calculations and memory accumulation that cause errors in relative position systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If incremental position calculations are used, then the system can track position changes, but signal noise and faulty algorithms cause incorrect position detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition tracking capabilityVSAvoidposition detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the incremental calculation-based position tracking with direct absolute position sensing. The Hall effect sensor provides direct measurement of the steering column position through magnetic field detection, eliminating signal noise and algorithm faults that plague incremental calculation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If memory is used to store position information, then the system can recall previous positions, but information is lost during system resets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition information retentionVSAvoidsystem reset behavior

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the memory-based position storage system with an absolute position sensing system. The Hall effect sensor continuously provides accurate position information directly from the physical position of the steering column, eliminating the need for memory storage and preventing information loss during system resets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution prevents errors associated with relative position systems by providing accurate, absolute position data, ensuring precise steering column positioning and control, while also being robust against extraneous signals and wear.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor situated over the sloping top surface of the elongated target. The sensor is configured to: detect a position of the elongated target relative to the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall-effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20210309281A1Contactless absolute rake position sensor for power adjustable columns

Publication Date: 2021.10.07 STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORP

AI summary

Embodiments described herein are for a position sensor system integrated into a steering column assembly of a vehicle. The position sensor includes an elongated target comprising a sloping top surface, a first arcuate lateral surface, a second arcuate lateral surface, and an attachment feature for connecting the elongated target to a moveable part of the steering column assembly. The position sensor also includes a sensor device comprising an attachment feature for connecting the sensor device to a stationary part of the steering column assembly and a sensor situated over the sloping top surface of the elongated target. The sensor is configured to detect a position of the elongated target relative to the sensor, where the position of the elongated target corresponds to a position of a steering column of the steering column assembly.